The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-12-07
ENDICOTTS DEPARTMENT
THE ANNUAL REPORT TRANSMIT
TED TO CONGRESS.
A Big Increase in the Estimates for

A Big Increase in the Estimates for
Next Year Caused by the Addition
of Certain Public Works to the
Expense Account-The Indians and
the Militia.
WASHINGTON, Dec 6-The annual report
of the Secretary of War, transmitted to
Congress to-day, shows that the expendi-
lures made by the department during the
last fiscal year amounted to sal 1856 165. The
estimates for the next fiscal year aggregate
$53, ,33S, no, against an approximation for
the current year of $31 ,055, 1902 The increase
is caused by the Incorporation of an esti-
mate of $22, ,339, ISL for public works, in
Guiding river and harbor improvements, the
expenditures on this account for the
current year amounting to only 81, ,3OS, 4O9
There is also an increase of about 81 $780,
900 in the estimate for the military estab-
lishment, army and military academy. The
report says that the buildings, Notifications,
public works and grounds in the division of
the Atlantic are everywhere in need OF re-
pair or reconstruction. On the entire At
lantic and Gulf coast, line of $50 miles,
and the Northern frontier of $3.50 miles,
the sole armament is 142 rified guns, of
which 116 are obsolete and of very low
power. Even the few serviceable rified guns
that are mounted are but of little value
Some of them are mounted on old carriages,
and all are without adequate protection.
GERoNIMo's BAND.
Touching Geronimo and his fellow cap
tives, now confined at Fort Pickens and Mt
Vernon barracks, the report says that they
are contented, perform their work with
alacrity, and thus far their conduct has been
excellent At this time it is difficult mat
ter to find for them permanent home
For many reasons it is impossible to return
them to Arizona. Under the existing laws
they cannot be taken to the Indian Terri
tory, and in Northern reservations the eli
mate is too cold for them. Pending final
decision they can remain where they are in
comfort and safety.
A brief history is included in the report
of the difficulty that arose in August last in
Colorado between the State authorities and
Colorow's band of Utes, and it is said that
some effort should certainly be made for the
restitution of their property to the Indians.
AID FOR THE MILITIA.
The Secretary strongly approves of the
recommendation contained in Gen. Sheri-
dams report touching the extension of all
possible aid by tie general government to
| the National Guard of the different States,
and suggesting a system of national en-
| campments for the State militia at the en-
tire expense of the national government.
Of the State militia the report says: In
compliance with the request from the State
authorities the annual encampments of the
militia in thirteen States have been in
spected by officers of the army. This sys-
| tenn of inspection has great advantages, by
| bringing well trained and instructed soldiers
| in contact with the militia, and gives an
opportunity for improvement not to be OBJ
| tained in any other way. The reports of
| the inspecting officers are full of encourage
ment, friendly criticisms and suggestions to
the militia. The report of the inspecting
officers of colleges having military details
show that the students at these colleges are
interested in drill and discipline, and are apt
and ready pupils, but greater interest would
be felt and better results obtained if the
authorities of the colleges evinced more
sympathy with this military branch of edu-
| cation, and gave to the officers seat in the
faculty, and to military instructors a posi-
tion equal to that of other branches of
study.
Little is said on the subject of river and
harbor Improvements beyond the statement
that the report of the Chief of Engineers
sets forth the condition of each improve
ment and the amount of work performed
during the last fiscal year.
EXAMINATIONS FOR PROMOTION.
In concluding his report the Seer @tary
SAYS: 1.-THE result of the examinations for
promotion under the civil service regula-
tions, which were applied to the War De-
partment in May, were satisfactory. The
total number of clerks examined was LOLA,
of whom 963, or 95 per cent, passed, and of
this number 353, or 90 per cent,
obtained an average above 80 per cent
81, or per cent. failed to pass, their average
being less than rs per cent. | renew the
recommendations contained in my previous
reports, and in those of my predecessors,
for the appointment OF an assistant Secre-
tary of War and an assistant Attorney
General to advise and assist in legal and
technical questions which daily occur.
II must also refer to my former recon-
mendations for the reorganization of the
force OF this office, the estimate for which,
it is hoped, will receive favorable considera-
tion of Congress-. -